Brazilian midfielder Paulinho surprised his ex-teammates and Ernesto Valverde, when he visited Barcelona's training centre on Wednesday.
The Barcelona coach was a big admirer of the player last season and didn't want the club to sell him.
"I am very happy to return to see my ex-teammates and the staff, we appreciate the people at the club a lot," Paulinho, now playing in China again, told the club's official media.
"Whenever I can, I watched the Blaugrana's games and they always play well."
The 30-year-old also spoke about his compatriots that are currently playing at the Camp Nou.
"I know [Philippe] Coutinho very well from Brazil and Barcelona," he explained.
"I'm sure Arthur will do very well in this team because of his quality and style of play.
"Malcom is a young player with a bright future ahead of him."
whykallar
254
Paulinho is a fantastic player, he did more then what we expected him to do and he was 100% good at Barcelona, he's of every equality and fall amongst Barca rop 5 players, he scores most game he play in, only Barca board knew why they allowed hime to go, but he was very good compared to majority of the players on Barca team.
Coeabdlnu
227
Was I the only one that smiled when I saw the headlines That is why it is called ‘More than a club’💙❤️
oparemacus
216
This is unexpected visit to the camp nou but it has happened just because poulinho still miss the great family he has left. He is always on my mind. Good luck boy wherever you are.
AbhijaiSingh
146
I wish Paulinho stayed. I won't be hypocritical by saying I was happy when he arrived but the man always plays with a smile on his face and Loves and enjoys playing. He was a good squad player and unselfish. In the end 50 million from him at 30 is a great deal but I miss him a little.😍
BidemiKlint
133
Barcelona is such a nice club that most of their ex players do come to visit unlike my club calling them family(fake) without knowing the true meaning of family
Jattfanmessida
50
A good visit by him.We miss him.we didn't expect that club sold him.He had same telepathic connection with messi like Dani Alves.We wanna more him to play here.But Destiny didn't make this right.Now we hope Coutinho and Arthur take command in midfield and do same magic with Magician Messi....